Nationals faced with tough decision regarding Michael Taylor

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12:10 pm ET) The Nationals are faced with a tough decision when it comes to outfield prospect Michael Taylor, who appears to be on the cusp of being ready for a regular role at the major-league level.

A major issue is playing time since the Nationals have a starting outfield of Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper and Denard Span. Taylor would be a solid fourth outfielder, but having him coming off the bench is not ideal for his development.

“It’s the same age-old decision that must be made regarding guys that are just on the cusp of being big-league ready and everyday players,” manager Matt Williams said, per NatsInsider.com. “And a question of depth on your team, too. … It’s a question of depth on your team, it’s a question of how much playing time they’re really going to get, and are they better served staying in the minor leagues and getting those at-bats until their opportunity arises. But Mike’s close. He’s really close.”

“Anytime that happens, especially early in the spring, we make sure that we take it easy on him. He is full go. He is ready to play,” Williams said.

Taylor is expected to see plenty of playing time this spring with right fielder Jayson Werth sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Taylor is considered the Nationals' third-best prospect by MLB.com.

Nationals complete September callups

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(9/7/14) The Nationals called up reliever Ryan Mattheus and outfielder Michael Taylor from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, and according to MLB.com, the moves were the last of the team's minor league promotions for the season.

Mattheus had appeared in four games with the Nationals earlier this season, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Taylor went 3 for 18 with a home run during a brief major league stint in August.

Michael Taylor dispatched to Syracuse

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(8/23/14) Right fielder Michael Taylor has been demoted by the Nationals to Triple-A Syracuse to create a roster space for Nate Schierholtz.

Taylor managed three hits in 18 at-bats during his brief stint with Washington and is expected to return sometime soon.

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What's your strategy for filling your outfield with producers and upside? Scott White makes sense of it with six tiers to guide you on draft day.

2014 Summary: Though he didn't get nearly the hype or fanfare, Michael Taylor broke through with George Springer-like numbers for Double-A Harrisburg in 2014, hitting .313 with 23 homers and 37 steals in 384 at-bats. He wasn't as impressive in shorter stints at Triple-A or the majors, which underscores how much work he still has to do, but mostly, his season was cause for celebration. A player suspected of having elite tools finally began to translate them to numbers.

Playing time status: While Taylor is the Nationals' center fielder of their future, their present is still in the hands of Denard Span, who's signed for one more year. He's coming off a career year himself but has been only so-so in the past. Still, Taylor's best hope of playing a significant role is an injury for Span, Jayson Werth or Bryce Harper.

2015 Outlook: For Taylor, the Springer comparison extends to his strikeout rate, which held him back in his first taste of the majors and may always limit his batting average at that level. But like Springer, Taylor's ceiling is high enough that you'll want to stick it out with him in long-term keeper leagues. In redraft leagues, his 2015 role is too speculative for you to bother with him outside of NL-only formats.
(Updated 11/23/14)